August2023

March–April 2020

First Chronicles
The Newsletter of the First Congregational Church of Evanston UCC

Minister’s Message Desk

From the Minister’s Sarahyesterday,
same Petersen (whose
today, children’s messages
and forever.” are soremains
Our faith elegantly
AsThewemonth
stand on the cusp
of July of a change
has certainly flownin seasons (and busy
by. I’ve been fixed
done),onandtheMiko
God we know (who
Fentanes through Jesus,
weaves allthe
theGod
videowe
a meeting
change to the clocks on March 12!),
with committees and individual members the church is on experience whensothe
pieces together Spirit blows
beautifully). Andthrough the volunteers
to all the church
likewise
Zoom or by phone. It’s been great to meet folks andare
preparing for change. Some of the changes and we feel the Divine presence in our midst.
who have stepped in to read scripture, share announce-
modest and others will be more profound. Let me start So hang
ments, in there
and sing with
for us. usmay
You in this season
know thatof change.
liturgy means
learn about many aspects of First Congregational Church.
with the “small stuff” and we’ll work our way upward. And as always, I thank you for your steadfast faith as
I’mCommunications!
impressed by all the work that’s being done by so “the work of the people.” What is true during normal
Improving the way we commu- we embrace this moment in the life of the church.
manywith
nicate dedicated people to further
our membership and the thegreater
work of the church
community timesand
Grace is even
Peace,truer in these times of pandemic. If you
and care for one another in these difficult
is some “low-hanging fruit” that we can address imme- times. I have have ideas
Pastor Jason or feedback you would like to share, please
a strong
diately. Yousense
maythat
havewenoticed
are pulling
the newtogether as a hanging
banners church. feel free to do so. We are all learning as we go forward.
Elsewhere
in front in this building
of the church newsletter(see youphoto
will find informa-
at right)— I would like to extend an invitation to everyone to
tionare
they about
boldsome of the things
and secure and speakwe are ourundertaking
values to our as a join me in a “Coffee Klatch” on Thursday, August 6, at
church. I’m
neighbors. Weexcited about theour
have reworked newweekly
Anti-Racism
email and Task 2 p.m. This will be an informal time to check in with
made it easier to read and navigate. And
Force that will be working to help us better understand we have given one another and engage is casual conversation. Join
itissues
a snazzy name, “First on Friday!” Look
of race in this time, to identify ways we as a for it first the Zoom gathering at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/
thing
church canFriday
every addressmorning.
systemic racism, and to take action 82227173405; the meeting ID is 822 2717 3405.
that will join with is
This newsletter also being
others to seekrepurposed
justice in our andworld.
will Everyone will need to bring their own coffee! Sorry
now be produced every other month. This will allow us I can’t provide that.
Another task force is looking ahead to plan for us to
to give notice of church events further in advance and
re-gather as a church community. The term re-gathering, I am always eager to connect with folks. If you
allow Sarah Petersen, our communications ace, to focus
onrather than reopening,
the “First on Friday!”has andbeen chosen deliberately,
social-media channels, are in need of pastoral care or just someone to talk to,
because
which areFirst
much Congregational
more current and has never
timely.been
Stillclosed.
to come: This please feel free to email me or call. I’m happy to speak
group is looking
rebranding at policies
our logos, preparingandprint
procedures
materials thatforwill by phone or to set up a Zoom chat.
allow us and our guest organizations
outreach, and a church T-shirt. There will be T-shirts!to make use of the Blessings and Peace,
buildings in a you
In worship way maythat have
is responsible
noticed some and safe.
of theWevaried
are Tim
all looking forward
instrumentalists to a day
our music when Matthew
director we can resume Hoganin-has
worked
person into our music
worship. The task program.
force isWe look forward
looking at a myriad to of
more unique sounds to grace our sanctuary
concerns that will go into a sensible and well-thought- in the
months
out plan. to The
come. I am working
foremost concernwith ourresponsibility
is our mission part-to
ners to involve them more deeply
care for one another, especially those among in our congregation
us who are
and look forward
most vulnerable. to featuring “Mission Moments” as
a regular part of our worship. First up will be Family
Under the leadership of the Fellowship Committee,
Promise, who will be with us in worship on March 12.
a group is looking
Finally, ahead to
the Becoming theRally
Church DayTeamon Sunday,
has been
September
hard at work13. We areyour
distilling looking for creative
feedback ideas for this
and sharpening our
opportunity
vision to celebrate
as a church. We areour life together
considering the as
biga questions
church
and kick Have you spotted our gorgeous new banners on the front columns
facing our off the new church
congregation year. Rally
and preparing Sunday canthat
a document
offer us a time to renew of ourourcommitments of our sanctuary building? The Black Lives Matter and progres-
will outline the direction church in theand yearsperhaps
sive pride banners announce our solidarity with and support of the
become involved in new ways.
ahead. We anticipate presenting a first draft of our
Black and LGBTQ+ communities as well as share our anti-
visionItdocument
looks like for the worship
online congregation’s reactions
will continue forshortly
the racism and open and affirming values as outreach. We hope these
after Easter.
foreseeable future. I am very grateful to everyone who vertical banners supported by our columns will hold up better to
Withsoallhard
works of those
to make things
our invirtual
motion, it is worth
worship a meaningful the elements than our previous horizontal banners, while still
remembering what remains the same.
and inspiring experience. It’s surprising how much It’s our God. As extra offering the same inclusive welcome.
the Book of Hebrews reminds us, “Jesus
effort is required to put together a weekly streaming Christ is the
1
broadcast. Many thanks to David Lornson (for provid-
ing and coordinating the music that is so uplifting), Our new church sign!
Upcoming Events
Sunday, March 5, 10 a.m.
Communion Worship; Bread Baking and
Communion Learning in Sunday School
Tuesday, March 7, 7:30 p.m.
Genesis Bible Study on Zoom
Sunday, March 12
10 a.m., Family Promise Sunday in Worship
2–7 p.m., Interfaith MLK Racial Justice Bus Tour
Tuesday, March 21, 7:30 p.m.
Genesis Bible Study on Zoom
Wednesday, March 22, 6–8 p.m.
Simple Soup Supper and Lectio Divina Dessert,
Guild Room
Sunday, April 2
9 a.m., Palm Sunday Ecumenical Parade with Donkey,
Raymond Park
10 a.m., Palm Sunday Worship, Sanctuary
Thursday, April 6, 6 p.m.
Maundy Thursday Dinner, Chapel
Friday, April 7, 7 p.m.
Good Friday Worship, Good News UCC
Sunday, April 9
10 a.m., Easter Sunday Worship, Sanctuary
11 a.m., Easter Egg Hunt, Memorial Garden
Sunday, April 23, 10 a.m.
Earth Day Service
Bread Baking and Communion Learning
in Sunday School on March 5
Youth grades K–12 are invited to join us for a special
Sunday School session of bread baking and learning
about the sacrament of communion on March 5 at
10 a.m. We’ll use the Church House kitchen to bake our
own bread, then spend time learning about the meaning
behind the bread and wine/juice in communion and the
UCC language used during the sacrament. Youth and
teachers will share communion together during Sunday
School. We hope to see you this Sunday for this fun and
meaningful time together!
2
Bible Study: Genesis on Zoom
This spring, we continue our Bible study of the Book of
Genesis. Join us every other Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m.
for the conclusion of our six-part study. Click here to
access the Zoom links and study guide. The remain-
ing dates are March 7, March 21, and April 4. All are
welcome! You don’t have to have attended prior
sessions to join the discussion with us at any time.
Starting March 12, Worship on Livestream!
Mahdia Lynn, our church administrator, has been hard
at work getting internet access into our sanctuary, along
with the hardware and software necessary to support
live streaming of worship services. We’re nearly there!
Beginning March 12, we plan to have worship
services live-streamed
from the sanctuary.
Instead of having a
Zoom option for remote worshippers, you’ll be able to
go directly to our YouTube page to watch the 10 a.m.
service live on Sunday mornings or view recordings
from past services anytime. Many thanks to Mahdia,
Julie Captain, and Sarah Pressly, who have helped us
through this remote-worship transition time.
Ordering Easter Tulips and Lilies
Order your Easter flowers now! If you would like to
help decorate the sanctuary for Easter with Easter lilies
or a pot of tulips, keep an eye out for information and
order forms in upcoming Sunday bulletins, or contact
Mahdia in the Church Office.
To ensure that the flowers will be in bloom for
Easter, the deadline for ordering is March 24. If you
choose to keep your plant, you may pick it up after the
Easter service on April 9. Lilies cost $15 and tulips cost
$12 each. Please make your checks payable to First
Congregational Church.
 Happy Birthday!
Celebrating March and April Birthdays
Hailey Benirschke
Beth Chill
Mark Clifton
Travis Clifton
Sadie Clutter
Gregory DeStefano
Michaela DeStefano
Hank Doyle
Julia Doyle
Gabe Fredrickson
Lucy Fredrickson
Bob Gaskill
Overnight Shelter March 10–April 8 Rosa Geracaris
From March 10 through April 8, we’re hosting the Margot Goode
Interfaith Action of Evanston Emergency Overnight Gary Hardesty
Shelter in our sanctuary building. IAE needs volunteers Candace Heaphy
to bring sack breakfasts to the 30 weekend shelter Jillian Jarrett
guests through May 21. Breakfasts need to be delivered Craig Johnson
on Saturday and Sunday between 7 and 8 a.m. to Hilda’s Caden Krei
Place in the basement of Lake Street Church. They Haven Krei
should include breakfast with protein (for example, a Adrian Lawrence
breakfast sandwich with egg, or a muffin plus yogurt Charlotte Lillquist
or cottage cheese cup with spoon; fruit (banana or Tom Lindsey
tangerine); and beverage (water or juice). Sign up Alice Lutton
HERE to bring breakfasts, or email Ann Weatherhead Parker McClendon
at amweatherhead@gmail.com with questions. This Barbara B. Meyer
would be a great way for youth and families to partici- Jane Omundson
pate in sharing with our neighbors, or for anyone who Fawn Ring
would like to help care for our community. Sam Sprague
Sarah Todd
2023 Toiletries and Cleaning Products Drive
The First Congregational Church of Evanston’s Mission
Board invites you to help provide toiletries for clients of
Connections for the Homeless and the
Night Ministry as well as toiletries and
household cleaning products for clients
of the YWCA shelter for survivors of
domestic violence.
While shopping this week at your local grocery,
convenience store, warehouse, dollar store, or phar-
macy, please consider picking up some regular or travel-
size toiletries, personal products, and cleaning products
from among the following: shampoo, body wash, lotion,
deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, and house-
hold cleaning products, which YWCA clients need as
they move to transitional apartment settings.
Donations may be dropped off on Sunday mornings
in the church narthex through March 26, so please mark
your calendars and shopping lists! If needed, drop-offs
may also be arranged at other times with Mahdia, our
church administrator.
3
Journey through Lent
We began our sacred journey through the season of
Lent with an interactive, contemplative Ash Wednesday
Service in the chapel. We reflected on the body, mind,
and spirit with scripture readings, images, poetry, music,
and art making. Look for the string of prayer beads that
participants created; it will be on the clay pot on the
altar during Lent.
Continue on our journey together by joining us
for a simple mid-Lenten meal of soup and bread on
Wednesday, March 22, at 6 p.m. in the Guild Room of
the Church House. Following the meal and fellowship
time, over dessert, we’ll close with a lectio divina—a
practice of scripture reading, meditation, prayer, and
contemplation that brings us closer to the divine.

4
Holy Week: Palm Sunday Worship and
Parade with Live Donkey on April 2
Shout hosanna on April 2 as we gather with our
ecumenical neighbors for a Palm Sunday parade around
Raymond Park. A real live donkey will lead our pro-
cession of palm wavers with the accompaniment of
a boisterous brass band. Gather outside Lake Street
Church on Chicago Avenue, just across the park from
First Congregational’s sanctuary building, to begin the
parade at 9 a.m. This joyful event will be wonderful for
the whole family and congregants of all ages to join in
ecumenical unity as we welcome Jesus into Jerusalem at
the start of Holy Week. Following the outdoor parade,
join us for our 10 a.m. Palm Sunday Worship Service,
with palms to wave and a choir procession in the
sanctuary. This will be an all-ages service; there will be
no Sunday School on Palm Sunday. Childcare will be
available downstairs in our nursery for ages 4 and under.
Family Easter Egg Hunt
Hip-Hop-Hurray! Bring your baskets for our annual
Easter egg hunt following 10 a.m. worship, on Sunday,
April 9. With staggered start times based on age
(beginning with the youngest around 11:15 a.m.), there
will be eggs for all young people in the garden outside
the church (or inside if the weather is inclement).
Middle and high school youth are invited to help hide
eggs for younger youth (there’s chocolate in it for you,
too!). Contact Sarah Petersen in you’re interested. Do
you have extra plastic eggs lying around your house?
Consider reusing them by donating them to be filled
with candy, trinkets, or stickers to help us hold a more
environmentally friendly hunt. Contact Sarah to arrange
to drop off eggs.

Maundy Thursday Meal

“Do this in remembrance of me.” At 6 p.m. on Maundy
Thursday, April 6, gather with us in the chapel, where
we will share a full meal as Jesus did with his disciples
the night before his crucifixion.

Good Friday Service at Good News UCC

On Good Friday, April 7, at 7 p.m., you are invited to
join in worship with our friends and partner congrega-
tion at Good News UCC for a service remembering
the passion of Christ. Good News UCC is located at
7649 North Paulina Street in Chicago’s Rogers Park
neighborhood. Stay tuned for further details.

Easter Worship on April 9

Hallelujah! Join us as we celebrate new life on Easter
morning with our festival brass Easter Worship Service
at 10 a.m. on Sunday, April 9. The service will include
special music and joyful praise in our flower-filled
sanctuary as we proclaim, “Christ is risen, indeed!” All
ages are welcome in the sanctuary. There will be no
Sunday school on Easter morning. Childcare will be
available in the nursery for those ages 4 and under.
5
Learning History, Creating Connections
First Congregational Church of Evanston’s collabora-
tions have been helping us learn history and create new
connections across religious and racial differences. On
February 5, church members and staff participated in
the Evanston Interfaith Community for Reparations’
racial justice bus tour of Evanston Black history. Dino
Robinson, founder of Shorefront Legacy Center, shared
his extensive knowledge of Black community members’
contributions to Evanston and of policies and practices
that led to inequitable segregation and disparities that
linger today. Following the tour, participants returned to
Beth Emet The Free Synagogue for an interfaith, inter-
racial dialog about the experience. The next racial justice
bus tour on March 12 will focus on important racial
justice sites in Chicago (see next column).
At the end of the month, First Congregational
Church of Evanston collaborated with Good News
UCC and Greater Bethesda Baptist Church for a Black
History Month Celebration in Rogers Park. The youth-
focused service included a presentation by Cecilia
Coulter on Shirley Chisolm, readings of poetry by
Langston Hughes and Maya Angelou, and children’s
choir anthems. Look for more collaborations to come! Interfaith MLK Racial Justice Tour in Chicago
The Evanston Interfaith Community for Reparations
is hosting a racial justice bus tour to various sites in
Chicago, followed by dinner and an interfaith, interracial
conversation, on Sunday, March 12, from 2 to 7 p.m.
Sarah Petersen will be among the small-group
conversation facilitators following the tour.
The tour will feature WBEZ journalist Natalie
Moore, author of The South Side; remarks from Rami
Nashashibi at the MLK Memorial; and dinner from
the Fresh Market at Beth Shalom Bnai Zaken with
facilitated conversation. Attendees are asked to read
“The Case for Reparations” by Ta-Nehisi Coates
as a shared text we can work from when visiting several
Chicago neighborhoods affected by topics addressed in
the article.
Free and open to the public, the March 12 bus tour
begins (2 p.m.) and ends (7 p.m.) at Beth Emet The
Free Synagogue at 1224 Dempster Street in Evanston.
The tour is currently sold out. Click here to be added
to the waitlist.